SDG 12: Responsible Consumption

SDG 12 encourages responsible consumption and production. It promotes efficient resource use, waste reduction, recycling, and cleaner industrial practices. Sustainable systems protect the environment and support long term growth.

• Implement sustainable consumption and production frameworks in all countries.
•  Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
• Cut global food waste in half and reduce food losses across supply chains.
• Manage chemicals and waste throughout their life cycle to minimize environmental and health impacts.
• Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
• Encourage companies to adopt sustainable practices and integrate sustainability information into their reporting.
• Promote sustainable public procurement that supports responsible production.
• Improve consumer awareness and education for sustainable lifestyles.
• Strengthen scientific and technical capacity in developing countries to support sustainable consumption and production.

Progress on SDG 12 is slow. Global resource use and waste continue to rise. Recycling and treatment systems are improving but not fast enough. Some countries adopted circular economy policies, yet widespread change requires stronger incentives and infrastructure.